Campaign to end loneliness launches in Northern Ireland

A campaign to put an end loneliness in Northern Ireland is due to kick off at Belfast City Hall.

The new movement has launched in response to a rise in loneliness and isolation.

'Be More Us' aims to inspire people of all ages here to make conversations with strangers and to celebrate connections.

The event takes place in the Conor Room in Belfast City Hall at 1.30pm on Thursday 9 May.

46% of adults in Northern Ireland feel it has been a long time since they made a new friend or connection, a new poll from the Campaign to End Loneliness has found.

Over half of people in Northern Ireland say that their busy daily lives stop them from connecting with people as much as they would like.

79% of people surveyed said that small moments of connection, such as making small talk on the bus or smiling at people, are a valuable way of tackling loneliness.